Police say divers will search part of bay for missing Stevensville woman

Staff Reports

Maryland State Police and sheriff's deputies in Queen Anne's County are investigating what they call the "suspicious disappearance" of a woman who they say has been missing for two days, and a dive team will search part of the Chesapeake Bay today.

The woman is identified as Robin L. Pope, 51, of Stevensville. She is described as a white female, 5'4", 105 pounds, with brown hair.

Police said that until December 2012, Pope had been residing with her husband, Wayne A. Pope Jr., in Stevensville. The couple separated in December and Robin Pope had been staying at a residence owned by a friend on Kent Island.

Shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, the Queen Anne's County Emergency Operations Center received a call from Wayne Pope, who told officials his wife had come to the home late Friday to retrieve some belongings. After she arrived, he left the home, police said. He told officers that when he returned home early Saturday morning, he found his wife's black 2011 Infinity in the driveway, but she was not at the residence. He also said his dog, a Great Dane, was missing.

Deputies found Robin Pope's keys, purse, credit cards and cash still in her vehicle, and later found the dog dead near a nearby pier, with trauma to the upper torso. The dog's body has been taken to the Queen Anne's County Humane Society pending investigation.

Police said that deputies considered Robin Pope a missing person and information was forwarded to area law enforcement agencies. They also interviewed relatives and friends. Troopers from the State Police Homicide Unit and Criminal Enforcement Division are now leading the investigation.

State police said Sunday that a dive team will conduct a search of the Chesapeake Bay in the area today, assisted by a state police helicopter and marine units from the Natural Resources Police and the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information may contact police at the Centreville Barrack at 410-758-1101. Callers may remain confidential.